Every few weeks I take a peek at activity on the narrowband transponder of this geosynchronous satellite. My last look was the morning of Friday April 9th at 1048z. I check on the webSDR at Goonhilly. When I looked there were no stations at all active! I have never, ever seen it so quiet.
There were a handful of stations on shortly after as the photo shows
The hobby is being left behind by technology. Once satellite internet becomes viable, the idea of ham radio being vital for "emergencies" will take a huge hit. Hams clearly can't even see the EmComm value in being able to communicate across an entire hemisphere 24/7 with the 100 bird.
ReplyDeleteWe're oxcart drivers shaking our fists at passing motorcars back in the day. The only difference is that we keep telling each other that we're some kind of intellectual and technical elite.